1990 - 1991 BOC Challenge, McIntyre Adventure

After eight years of total commitment, blood sweat and tears, Don & Margie McIntyre finally launched the 50ft "SPONSOR WANTED" and sailed to the start of the BOC challenge in New Port, Rhode Island USA. They had also built Japanese friend and fellow competitor Minoru Saito's boat 'Shuten Dojhi II" (Minoru in that boat, ultimately sailed a total of seven solo circumnavigations together). Massive support from friends and business got them to the start line, but still with over $300,000 of debt. 46 days after the start Don arrived in Cape town. At the half way point in Sydney after another 34 days through the Southern Ocean, where he was knocked down many times by giant waves, finances were critical and no one was sure he could keep sailing. Fortunately Buttercup Bakeries and support from Derryn Hinch and channel 7 kept the dream alive! With a new name "BUTTERCUP" Don set out for Cape Horn. Huge storms swept through the Fleet. He was on one occasion rolled 360 degrees, but his well built and prepared vessel survived, arriving in Punta del Est 39 days later, relieved to be out of the Southern Ocean. In the final Leg back to New Port, Don suffered a broken forestay, but went on to
take second place in his class, with a total elapsed time of 153 days, 12 hours, 21 minutes. It was an epic 27,000 voyage with all the excitement and drama you would imagine. Don was the 98th person ever in history, to sail solo around the world. At that time there had been nearly three times that many people rocket into space! He gained a massive following in Australia produced an epic documentary of his race and started planning to do it again in 1994!
www.mcintyreadv...

[@markpeter1968]

Strong boat, Great rig, 7 water tight compartments, Good comms and a Giant set of B.......s

[@OceanGlobeRace]

hahahaha...still going strong...thanks :)

[@mini696]

To hear Mike Plants name and Duracell warms my heart. Also it's scary how far south these guys went.

[@Goldengloberace]

he was a great guy and was lucky to spend some quality time with him !! :) sadly missed....

[@carlhawkins9209]

I can't believe this has only had 7602 views is I thought it has been one of the best sailing documentaries I have never watched, as for Don and Margie I think you are both absolute legends

[@mcintyreadventure]

+Carl Hawkins Thanks Carl... :)..it sure was fun!!

[@mcintyreadventure]

+Tobots Wholesale HI...the varying answers are probably because there is no simple answer :) as both types are OK if you know what you are doing and have experience?...but the one thing I would say is if you look at the www.GoldenGlobeRace.com web site you will see that the type of boat we have chosen for this race ..non stop,,solo around the world we strongly believe them to be safe, simple and inexpensive...they are full keel...it does come down to a solid hull, strong rig, bullet proof steering and secure hatches to keep the water out...after that you just have to enjoy the ride....all the best of luck!!...and thanks for your kind comments.. :)

[@clamospro9539]

Dude the camera is not clear and thats the problems!!!

[@ittybittykittyrescue4843]

I was thinking the same thing. I really enjoyed the documentary & Dons story. I wanna know if he was ever able to sail again with Margie. Amazing how the sailing world has come so far this video was made yet, still so much is the same. There really are some things that will never change. Definitely a legend.

[@guyfitter3006]

Well said. Really enjoyed watching this exciting race and humble account. What a great bloke and supportive partner. Incredible achievement.

[@SailingLittleGooseBC]

Wow Don its no wonder you are where you are today after watching that video….your such a character and miles ahead of your time back then. Cheers to you and McIntyere Adventure and of course the GGR!

[@Goldengloberace]

hey thanks Matt....glad you had some fun with this ...all the very best!! :)

[@1ethanb]

brilliant ! my wife and i bought an old timber 50ft ketch 6mths ago. we don't fancy doing the BOC but sailing is an amazing adventure. well done Mr. and Mrs. Macintyre your an inspiration

[@jimjenkins673]

Can’t believe he did not strap in when walking the deck. What an incredible man and even more incredible adventure.

[@donmcintyre6037]

thanks..it was a fun ride back then... :)

[@brianbelton3605]

I am watching this on a sleepless night. No words can convey what I feel, from your experience, based on your descriptions of your journey. "Unreal" you said a few times. Job well done! Thanks to your fine narration, and honest emotion, maybe a few people will feel how difficult it really is, to sail this Earth.. . . Alone. Joshua Slocum. Robin Lee Graham. And, McIntyre.. . . .

[@Goldengloberace]

Thanks Brian...it was a life changing experience for me that is certain and life right now is OK!! so all the best...Don

[@sharpittet938]

Thank you! Currently watching the GGR and appreciate you daily updates. My father in law built a 50ft ketch, ferro cement boat. He was never able to sail it, think the building of it kept him young to 93 yrs old. But it was sold and sailed around Vancouver Island for 20 yrs. Certainly nothing like "an adventure" but understand the spirit of adventure living with my husband. Thank you for sponsoring the GGR.

[@mcintyreadventure]

MY firs t boat build at 18 was a ferro replica of SUHAILI but never finished :) so sounds like you have had some fun in the family....glad you are enjoying the GGR and thanks for the kind words ..Don

[@tdoster1]

I had to come back and watch this again after watching True Spirit, which Don had bankrolled Jessica. I remember following this race and still have Don's VHS tape when it first came out, which has always held a big part of my taking life a little differently. Thank you Don! Favorite quote - "The BOC is a bucket of fun, I tell ya"

[@carlsails58]

Cannot believe I missed this! Great. Needs to be shared far and wide. I salute you Don!

[@donmcintyre6037]

Thanks Carl!! :)

[@westcoaster01]

The old BOC Challenge was one race that made me first dream to sail around the world alone. That was one race that would give someone a half decent chance to participate in.

[@mcintyreadventure]

You are right...thanks..so check out the Golden Globe Race :) all the best ..Don

[@GregTomkins57]

It just goes to show what sets some part form the masses... strength of character, determination and dedication. Well done on you for having achieved your dream.

[@informationgoldengloberace6061]

Yes you are right about dreams...and always good to keep dreaming...there are some great stories coming form the Golden Globe Race with real people..so hope you can follow that ..all the best...Don :)

[@mcintyreadventure]

Thanks Gregory...Don

[@robertschafer8244]

Awesome, Just amazing to watch!

[@mikefetterman6782]

This is the third time I have watched this. The first time, was an accidental browse 2 years ago. I fell in love with wanting to sail immediately. I know have been reading. watching, and boat touring ect/ and just hoping for that Publishers clearing house van to pull up, ha ha . Love this story so much.

[@donmcintyre6037]

Keep the dream alive hey ..makes me happy!! :)

[@richardjackson5536]

Amazing effort. Well done and thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mcintyreadventure]

+Richard Jackson Thanks Richard...it was a lot of fun back then!! :)

[@ReinierMayer]

Don, you’re an absolute legend. Beautiful documentary and I loved every minute of it.

[@donmcintyre6037]

Hey thanks....:) that was some time ago..lol....next trip is racing my 19ft TREKKA www.ClassGlobe580.com solo across the Atlatic next year :)..all the best......

[@owenwammes4052]

1:32 that bird is having the time of his/her life

[@darshanpatel5932]

Wow, thoroughly enjoyed it. Simply amazing.

[@vincentdevitt7685]

Never seen this one Don , I was going say something but ; what could I say ? You said it all and done it all , that's good enough for me .

[@Goldengloberace]

Thanks Vincent....glad you enjoyed it.. :)

[@carlsails58]

I am sick with a cold and Martie is out of town helping a friend with her back surgery recovery. Good time to watch again. You did really well on that first leg. Did you say this was your first passage? This was thirty years ago! Unbelievable! Time flies. Life, eh!?!

[@donmcintyre6037]

Hope you get better...yes it was...I had sailed the boat only 135 miles before setting out from Aust. to TONGA as my 2000 mile qualifying voyage..then got off to go back to find sponsors while Tim and friends sailed the boat to newport start...I then got on the day of the start and set sail...so was my first big leg in the boat...did not know where to go first two days so just followed JOSH! :)

[@ALSmith-zz4yy]

Great video. Bought this on VHS many years ago. Glad to see it's now on KZbin. It's inspired me to do some sailing adventures.

[@mcintyreadventure]

good to hear A...all the best...Don

[@paulas7847]

@@mcintyreadventure Likewise. I bought the video on VHS some 25 years ago. Sadly, the VHS player has long since gone to landfill so great to be able to watch Don and Margie's BOC quest here on KZbin. Great work. Also enjoyed watching your year in Antarctica!

[@donmcintyre6037]

@@paulas7847 Hard to believe where the time goes...lol!! Glad you enjoyed it!! thanks Don

[@paulas7847]

@@donmcintyre6037 I don't expect you to remember Don, but I interviewed you on ABC RADIO North West all those years ago. You are an absolute legend mate. You have some extraordinary achievements too look back on when you do decide to relax in front of the fireplace! Cheers and thanks again for you exploits and continuing involvement with sailing.

[@donmcintyre6037]

@@paulas7847 Hi Paul...cool to reconnect and yes they were great times so thanks for your comments...life continues with the GGR and Ocean Globe and then the big one..the MINI GLOBE RACE...:) all fun and all the very best..Don

[@jamesmoseley7141]

I love it this is what people should' be watching

[@donmcintyre6037]

Thanks..

[@brucekratky7993]

Wonderful. Took me some time to discovery your story. Loved it.

[@MrTatts64]

Congratulations Don. A few years late, but just as heartfelt, mate! That part in the Southern Ocean where you had been awake for 3 days, was at a dead low etc, I had just made myself a brew and couldn't help but wish I could've sent a nice hot one back thru time for you. Excellent stuff from you and your team. Amazing and fantastic support from Margie too Well done all and immense thanks for letting us share in some of your experiences here.

[@mcintyreadventure]

Hey thanks for the cuppa!!...sitting in Papeete at the moment on my new Lagoon 450 EXPLORER..seems a long way from Southern Ocean but that was a good time I look back on with fond memories...thanks for your comments...all the best..Don

[@tydeg2887]

Amazing. I'm just getting into sailing and I love this.

[@justinedwin7698]

Thank you for letting us experience this with you, sir. I choked back a few tears myself watching this. Well done. Can't wait till 2018!

[@mcintyreadventure]

+Justin edwin Hey thanks Justin..was a long time ago but certainly 2018 is going to be EPIC...all the very best...Don

[@justinedwin7698]

Again, thanks for keeping the spirit of adventure alive. Be well, sir.

[@znon5876]

One of the greatest men to walk the earth only has 500 subs? What is wrong with humanity

[@mcintyreadventure]

Thanks Z!! :) Don

[@znon5876]

It's an absolute honor Sir. Best of luck at the Golden Globe! Wish I could be there..

[@carlsails58]

Most of them are ignorant. Not stupid, but ignorant. If it is not on mainstream media or out of la la land (hollywood) they don't get it! Sad for humanity!

[@eriknulty6392]

did you ever do another BOC

[@donmcintyre6037]

@@eriknulty6392 no I went to live in Atarctica for a year aloe i a BOX...see doco Together alone...you will love it :)

[@MrAli171]

What a amazing video and such a nice bloke and Maggie was brilliant in all her support, I spent most of my life at sea first in the Royal Navy then as a deep sea trawlerman I can’t imagine what it was like being on your own in the south ocean

[@donmcintyre6037]

Thanks...yes it was the begining of many adventures all on www.McIntyreadventure,com :)

[@bullthrush]

I had this on VHS back when it came out, good to be able to see it again.

[@carlosbrassel8428]

Amazing race and a realy deep and human documentary thank you for sherring yours story. You guys are an example.

[@donmcintyre6037]

Thanks...it sure was funnn back then :)

[@seacoconut]

John whacked a growler at 62° South…..go Bertie !! RSA had two great competitors it seemed John would take the safety route but sadly that was not the outcome and the boat sank

[@robhaythorne4464]

Liked it very much. Havn't sailed around the world, but some of my best memories are when I was single handling. 'Course the rum was nice, too.

[@donmcintyre6037]

Thanks Glad you enjoyed it ...still sailing here.... my next boat is www.ClassGlobe580.com :) all the best Don

[@tompalmer334]

thanks for taking me along on your journey i liked it

[@informationgoldengloberace6061]

Thanks Tom!! :)

[@LesRigby]

I bought this video back in 2001 when i started building my 36ft Wharram Tangaroa mark11 have watched it countless times to ma point where i cant play it anymore. Dons Adventure inspired me to build the boat i am now 66 the boat has long gone but the memories of that period in time still clearly remain and the piece of music that is played when don mentions "trade wind sailing at its best" is firmly stuck in my brain ,i have looked for many years to find the full version of that sound track but to no avail maybe one day i will find it anyway thanks Don for the memories and all the best in your next adventure.

[@mcintyreadventure]

HEY sounds like you have some cool adventures aeah..sfe sailing and enjoy the challenges and serenity!..I spent some time with James Wharram last December..we are building a few Tahiti Wafarers for the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club Next year..you can follow that on www.McIntyreAdventure.com all the best and thanks for letting me know! ..Don

[@mcintyreadventure]

Thanks LES!!! :) happy sailing there....Don

[@jiefflerenard1228]

What a beautiful video ,the sea ,the skies ,the race and of cause Don, he has that drive that set some men apart. And all this with basic 1980's media tech ,good inobstrutive musio too.(rare) The equator crossing is hilarious

[@donmcintyre6037]

Thanks..always brings back memories....my new boat is www.ClassGlobe580.com hope to be sailing in Septemeber..all the best :) Don

[@MickLay]

Awesome!

[@10GOLDENWOOD20]

AWESOME !!!

[@stashtrey1]

50' super yacht. Gave up life savings for the race. Planned for years. Brings 2 tablespoons of shampoo and 2 right gloves. Brilliant.

[@stashtrey1]

But seriously...this is impressive and the man has gigantic balls to take on such an endeavor. Great documentary so far!

[@donmcintyre6037]

@@stashtrey1 thanks..glad you enjoyed it :)!!

[@MrRichiewake]

wow totally inspiring, and scary at the same time . You have balls of steal, the southern ocean looked terrifying. And to do first two legs with no sponsor that's even more crazy . So glad it worked out well and thanks for sharing the awesome footage.

[@informationgoldengloberace6061]

Thanks Rich...it was fun and plan to do it again in the 2022 Golden Globe Race...and yes it was scary too...but life is for living...all the best there...:)

[@mcintyreadventure]

Thanks Rich!! :) Don

[@patricioclaypole2045]

thank you for sheraring, you are a hell of a sailor, the best for you

[@informationgoldengloberace6061]

Thanks Patricio!! :)

[@mcintyreadventure]

Thanks Patrico...Don

[@mrCharliehurst]

very cool documentary,the cape looks like a scary place

[@castorso4021]

Thank you for sharing your 1st leg with us in video - just saw you arrived Cape Town, though it was 25 years ago, I admired your courage. I read most of the books of BOC single handed sailing, it was amazing; and I remember (forgot his name, may be Mitchell, he's about 63) and lost at sea around cape horn. I was in merchant navy 44 yrs ago, and one trip that we had a violent gale following us 16 out of 18 days from Vancouver to Tokyo, Japan. Our skipper chose great circle sailing above 45 degrees instead of a safer route. We lost our radio antennae, and someone needed to restring it on top of the aft mast that located at the rear deck about 5 - 6 stories height. It was gale force or stronger, no one wanted to go up....... well, i was young back then.... sure i climbed and successfully put the rope through the shackle with both hands, and using both my legs clung to the money bars - obviously no safety harness... not because I didn't want it, as it would be best without it in order to achieve the aim lot quicker.... stupid, right.

[@mcintyreadventure]

Yes Harry was a good friend..a sad story yet an inspiration too..gald you enjoyed this...the next thing to watch will be the www.GoldenGlobeRace.com in two years..that is an amazing adventure...all the best..Don

[@mcintyreadventure]

Thanks Castor!!! :) Don

[@braithmiller]

Great to see the video finally. Epic all the way. Such a time capsule of the era.

[@timgriffin2664]

Amazing vid very inspiring

[@informationgoldengloberace6061]

Thanks TIM! :)

[@mcintyreadventure]

Thanks tim...Don

[@lenswab7041]

thanks don

[@informationgoldengloberace6061]

Glad you enjoyed it...hope you enjoy the Golden Globe Race!! :)

[@billdavis7673]

The reason there are so few likes is that it is almost impossible to go through the sign in process that is attached to this site, and it is one of the best sailing videos I have ever seen and so it is very sad that the like statistics must be totally wrong ... it took me a half an hour, and having to redo my password, go through three or four different codes being sent, and so on just to get to be able to subscribe to this channel and to click the like button. So I would advise the world sailing family to get rid of all that junk and just let people click like, if they can.

[@mcintyreadventure]

Hi BILL..THANKS for your comments...I am looking into it now...not sure why I missed the issue here but onto it?? all the best...!! Don

[@11begood31]

Exciting first rate and I can hear the skipper

[@drugtalk101]

Would love a boat tour..??!

[@donnasingleton6320]

I'm still trying to figure out how he got the kelp off the rudder in that frigid water!......whats next?

[@ipok77]

do Don still sail? what challenged you made, its great.

[@donmcintyre6037]

Hi yes..see www.McIntyreAdvneture.com for my Bounty Challenge..and curently have a lagoon 450 cat..but now also building a new Mini 5.80 see.. www.ClassGlobe580.com to race solo across the Atlantic in NOV 2021 :) ..all fun fo sure..thanks and all the ebst...Don

[@johnshaw8327]

Great video Don. The GGR is now on and they will soon be down there. I see that the boat is for sale in Noumea....... ten and a half ft draft !!!! Can't get into Pittwater I think.

[@donmcintyre6037]

Hi John....thanks...yes the boat sold and I believe she is in lakes Entrance Victoria??

[@boosaad]

you are lucky to be able to doit

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

no safety harness ???

[@donmcintyre6037]

Hi Dave.....I certainly did wear it a lot of the time and every time I perceived a real risk obviously but often I did not wear it .in fact very often...I knew my boat and I stay low when walking around etc...when I was washed over the side once I was clipped on...so all I can say is I manage risk very seriously but do not wear a harned just cause I am on deck...I put it on when I know there is an issue.. THNX...Don

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

@@donmcintyre6037 Thank you for replying your circumnavigation and your year long Antarctic trip make you a hero and accomplished human being in my eyes , my lifelong dream is to at least sail from Seattle (home) to Hawaii some day yet I've never been outside of Puget sound or sailed !

[@donmcintyre6037]

@@ExploringCabinsandMines Hey good luck..one step at a time and each one a little bigger and keep reading and talking to others who have done it...you will learn a lot...also follow the 2022 Golden Globe Race...lots to be learnt about small boats.....all the best hey...keep the dream alive and thanks for your kind words......

[@mboyer68]

Why would he ever say that the boat is "unsinkable like the titanic" ?????

[@stashtrey1]

I thought the same thing...lol.

[@donmcintyre6037]

@@stashtrey1 just cause it was fun...had a lot of faith in the boat :) she is still sailing ...:)..thanks

[@id10tcertified]

Cheers for sharing mate, this is the real deal, let’s sea some of those block of flats that bludge thou$ands off their patreon viewers to cover their happy holiday boating do this. Is it a blue water boat? lol, always makes me laugh, if it wasn’t for all the latest weather tech etc none of them would leave the lakes.

[@rhett4027]

I hope you can hold on to the boat. There has to be a way. Maybe Patreon could help.

[@thomasrobson6370]

My dreams have died long ago

[@prashantamal5482]

nice

[@informationgoldengloberace6061]

THANKS!! :)

[@jamesmarva1268]

Blessings from on high to all, in almighty divine holy one our beloved father peace, ❤️ good fortunes and favorable winds in Jesus name, Amen. I am a land lover, God has placed the deep blue upon my ❤️ so I may be a servent to us all In Jesus name, Amen.

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

how much porn is required to circumnavigate the world?

[@thebear6529]

Better be a good boy or else maggy will leave you for the sharks!!

[@harryecke5399]

Why do You have Your Skin grilled volutarily? Want to get rid of the T-Shirt stains on bizeps?

[@janetmcknight2123]

..

[@psystealth]

Congrats Capt Don...are you still superstitious?

[@donmcintyre6037]

Absolutely...never leave on a Friday and Never whistle on a yacht!!!! thanks... :) you can follow us on www.GoldenGlobeRace.com

[@psystealth]

@@donmcintyre6037 ....I wanted to ask was it the water or the waves that flattened you numerous times and then rolled you? Noticed she kinda broached at times?

[@donmcintyre6037]

@@psystealth It was always the waves but an interesting discovery a year or so after the race was to discover we were about 300kg light on our keel ballast!! but well stiff enough on our water ballast...so very happy with the boat....but it happens...it was a small 50ft boat but fantastic...

[@Ostatebuckeye11]

The first SAILING YACHT channel. If he had internet and youtube back then.

[@robertjones-eb4xo]

Is this what Sailing is all about these days, sitting around moaning while all the Autopilots drive the boats ?

[@donmcintyre9806]

No way...that was back in 1990...it is even better now more moaning these days :) !!